Trip Tips and What to Pack for Your 
Albuquerque Singles Vacations

Visas and Passports

Anyone leaving or entering the United States will need a passport to enter the country.

Local Currency

Albuquerque is the largest city in the state of New Mexico and the monetary unit is the United States Dollar. No other currency is accepted. The exchange rates are the same throughout the country and you can exchange money at a bank or an official exchange shop. The Albuquerque airport does not have a currency exchange booth.

Local Time

Albuquerque, New Mexico is in USA Mountain Standard Time that is 6 hours behind of Greenwich Mean Time. Daylight saving time dates starts in March and ends in November.

Electric Plugs

Electrical sockets (outlets) in the United States supplies electricity at between 110 and 120 volts AC.

If you're plugging in an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. But travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 110-120 volts the socket is supplying. If your appliance is from another part of the world, and it is built only for 220-240 volt electricity, or a Japanese appliance built for 100 volts, then a travel plug adapter by itself won't be sufficient and you will need an electric converter.

Weather

Weather is great all year round. That is the #1 reason Albuquerqueans say they live there. Expect brief-but-daily showers during parts of July and August (monsoon season), and during each and every day of the October Balloon Fiesta if you believe in Murphy's Law. Otherwise, Albuquerque has essentially two seasons:
1. Springish Summer
2. Mild Winter.

Local Phone

Area code: 505

Shopping on your albuqerque vacation

Explore Albuquerque, one of the best shopping vacations, and find an extensive array of shopping options to add a little New Mexican flair to your collection. Discover Native American quality jewelry and countless other fabulous finds in this Southwestern art Mecca. Authentic Southwestern pottery, weavings, rugs, art and more fill the picturesque adobe shops and galleries of historic Old Town, often at prices that put other Southwestern cities to shame. Wherever you shop, from traditional Southwestern art galleries to contemporary boutiques, you are sure to find a treasure that will bring back wonderful memories of your visit to Albuquerque, the best shopping destination, for years to come.

Albuquerque's major shopping districts are Historic Old Town, Nob Hill, Downtown and Uptown.

Top 10 Souvenirs and Gifts to Buy In Albuquerque, New Mexico

Taking gifts back for friends and family is an important part of your Albuquerque Singles Vacation. Here is a suggestion of gifts you could take back home.

1.  Native American turquoise jewelry
2.  Native American dream catcher
3.  Native American Flute CD
4.  Bottle Cap Art Magnet
5.  Native American turquoise crafts
6.  Pinon incense holder in the shape of a traditional Native American wooden outdoor oven.
7.  Mini Pueblo Pottery Wedding Case
8.  Wooden Boxes
9.  Balloon Pin
10. Albuquerque Isotopes Pendant

Local new mexico Foods

Rich and nutty, specialty flavors like Biscochito and Pinion Chocolate are also available from the New Mexico Pinion Coffee Company.

Enjoy authentic New Mexican flavor with a variety of salsas, red or green chile sauces, canned diced green chiles or if you don't want to bring liquids try chile powder or dehydrated Green Chile Stew. Wide varieties are available at area grocery stores and other stores throughout the city.

For what to pack on all singles vacations and more tips - Click Here

North America Travel and vacation Information

North America Vacations for 18 - 35 Year Old
North America Singles Vacations for 35+
North America Destination Information

Don’t Leave Home without your Passport!

Israel Country Information

The State of Israel has approximately 7.4 million inhabitants.

Israel is located in Southwest Asia between the Mediterranean and the deserts of Syria and Arabia. The country's geographical borders are the Mediterranean to the West, the Jordan Valley Rift to the East, the mountains of Lebanon to the North with Eilat Bay the most southern tip.

Passport and Visa

Visas are not required for US and Canadian citizens. To enter Israel, a passport valid for at least three months beyond the length of stay is required by all nationals.

Currency

New Shekel (ILS; symbol ?) = 100 agorot (singular, agora). Notes are in denominations of ?200, 100, 50, and 20. Coins are in denominations of ?10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50 and 10 agorot.

Credit & debit cards: MasterCard, Diners Club and Visa are widely accepted, but many small establishments - shops and restaurants only accept cash. It is advisable to ask merchants if they accept credit cards before trying to purchase items

Time

Israel is on Israel Daylight Time (IDT).
7 Hours ahead of EST / 10 Hours ahead of PST.

Electric Plugs

Israel uses what is called a "H" type plug. This plug, which is unique to Israel, has two flat prongs that form a V-shape and a flat vertical grounding prong at the bottom. They are rated at 16A. Type H outlets (sockets) are so shaped as to accommodate type C plugs as well.. You will need an adapter plug and you can purchase these at Radio Shack or Brookstone.

Weather

There are two seasons in Israel, winter and summer. The winter is colder with showers and the summer is hot. There are different climates throughout Israel changing from the more humid areas near the seashore (such as Tel Aviv) to the drier mountain areas (such as Jerusalem). The low areas such as the Dead Sea and Sea of Galilee can get very hot.

What to Pack for Your Israel Vacation

One suitcase and an overnight bag are allowed – please check with individual airlines for weight limits.

**It is going to be warmer during the day and cool at night. In some of the Temples/churches — there is a strict dress code that forbids shorts, skirts above the knee, and bare shoulders. Please pack accordingly.

For what to pack on all singles vacations and more tips - Click Here

Phones

How to Call Israel
Dial 011, the international access code.
Dial the country code for Israel, 972
Dial the city code for the city you wish to call.
Dial the rest of the telephone number.

Instructions for Calling to Cell Phones in Israel
Calling a cellular phone in Israel requires that you dial an additional number. For calls from outside Israel to an Israeli cellular phone, a two-digit cellular phone prefix must be dialed between the country code and local number. The cellular phone prefixes always begin with the number 5, while the second digit depends upon the cellular phone provider. When calling a cellular phone from within Israel, just dial 0 and the cellular phone prefix before the local number

Tips for Calling Internationally from Israel
To make international calls from Israel, first dial 00, followed by the country code (1 for the U.S. and Canada), area code, and local number.

Shopping

Israel has economic ties with almost all nations in the world and manufactures a wide variety of products.

Most stores are open from Sunday to Thursday between 9:00am and 7:00pm. Some stores close between 2:00pm and 4:00pm. Shopping centers that do not cater to the religious population are open on Saturdays and others open on Saturday night or holiday nights.

VAT of 16.5% is added to all sales and services and is included in the price.

Local Foods

Israeli eating has distinctive characteristics, especially the fondness for fresh, finely chopped salads, eaten at every meal including breakfast. In general the cuisine is a fusion of East and West, plus many dishes and flavours brought by Jewish immigrants from all over the world. Most restaurants are moderately priced. Table service is the norm, except at the many low-cost snack bars. Restaurants, bars and cafés catering for tourists usually have menus in both Hebrew and English.

Some specialties: Falafel (deep-fried balls of mashed chickpeas) in a pita bread, with hummus (ground chickpeas),tahina (sesame seed sauce) and salads. Salads, which include savoury vegetable dishes served cold, such as aubergines. Ashkenazi classics like cholent (Shabbat meat stew) and gefilte fish, a white fish dish.

Don’t Leave Home without your Passport! 

Passport and Visas:

Nationals of Canada and the USA do require a visa; this is obtainable on arrival at the airport or border post for a variable fee depending on your nationality. This tourist visa allows a stay for up to three months in Turkey. This fee must be paid for in hard currency cash; euros, Japanese yen, UK pounds, or US dollars are acceptable.

Visa regulations can always change. Therefore it is wise for all nationalities to check with your travel agent or the Turkish Embassy before departing.

Money:

Travelers’ planning to exchange currency back before leaving Turkey, or making a major purchase which may need to be declared to customs, must retain transaction receipts to prove that the currency was legally exchanged.
 
After decades of rampant inflation, the lira is now stable. The Yeni Turk Liras? (new Turkish lira; YTL) was used between 2005 and 2008 as an anti-inflationary measure; watch out for people dumping their old-currency kurus? coins on you. Yeni Tu?rk Liras? is no longer valid, but if you have some notes and coins left over from a previous visit to Turkey, branches of Ziraat bank will exchange your ‘new’ lira for the same value of today’s lira.
 
ATMs dispense new Turkish lira to Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus and Maestro card holders. Look for these logos on the machines; they are found in most towns. Virtually all the machines offer instructions in English, French and German. It’s possible to get around Turkey using only ATMs, provided you remember to draw out money in the towns to tide you through the villages that don’t have them, and keep some cash in reserve for the inevitable day when the machine throws a wobbly, or it’s a holiday. You can usually draw out about €350 per day.

Time:

Turkey is in Eastern European Time zone and like most states in Europe, Summer (Daylight-Saving) Time is observed in Turkey Time, where the time is shifted forward by 1 hour; 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+3).

Electric Plugs:

Turkey operates on 220 volts, 50 Hz, with round-prong European-style plugs that fit into recessed wall sockets /points. Four- and five-star hotels often provide North American-style 120 volts, 60 Hz flush-mounted sockets (points) for North American flat-prong plugs.

But travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 110-120 volts the socket is supplying. If your appliance is from another part of the world, and it is built only for 220-240 volt electricity, or a Japanese appliance built for 100 volts, then a travel plug adapter by itself won't be sufficient. The voltage will have to be changed from 110-120 volts at the socket, to whatever voltage your appliance requires. This is accomplished with a voltage transformer.

Weather:

The summers are hot and dry as can be expected from the Mediterranean climate, winters are generally quite mild but can be wet. The eastern mountainous region of Turkey is much colder in winter and normally experiences heavy snow. The Southeast is the hottest area often reaching 45C in the summer. This region also experiences very mild and dry winters.

Peak season is from July to mid-September, when most Turks take their holidays. The best time to visit eastern Turkey is from late June to September. Don't plan to venture east before May or after mid-October unless you're prepared for snow. Try to avoid travelling during Kurban Bayrami, Turkey's most popular public holiday

What to Pack for Your Turkey Singles Vacation

One suitcase and an overnight bag are allowed – please check with individual airlines for weight limits.

* If you plan to experience a Turkish bath, bring a swim suit and water proof shoes
* Always carry a lightweight wrap to put over bare shoulders, for modesty and when visiting mosques.
* Comfortable walking shoes that can be removed easily when visiting the mosques.
* If visiting in the winter months: it can get really cold (and it snows) – take a coat, hat, warm scarf and gloves.
* In rural Turkey, women tend to dress much more modestly, so dress accordingly when visiting
* The dress code is much more relaxed at the beach, however be respectful of Muslim customs and never go topless

For what to pack on all singles vacations and more tips - Click Here

Shopping:

Have fun while shopping. Bargaining a sale should be of advantage to both parties, not a trouble situation. Handle the process with a sense of delight. Perhaps, you can’t affront the vendor, and there should be nothing they say to you that you will take personally. Treat it as a game of possibility. If you have difficulties in sharing thoughts in one familiar word, you can use body movements. Many vendors have calculators to make your offer agreeable. Record your respond to make a proposal if ever the seller has some difficulties in understanding your offer.

Top Souvenirs and Gifts to Buy on vacation in Turkey

* Turkish Delight
* Evel Eye (Blue Eye)
* Leather items
* Spices
* Carpets and kilims
* Turkish ceramics
* Handmade pottery
* Onyx

Local Foods:

One is based on Ottoman’s cuisine that is less spicy, with rice and mostly seafood. Second region is Black Sea Region that serves maize dishes and the third type of cuisine fuses South Eastern cuisine, famous for its deserts an

Salad is an essential part of Turkish cuisine and people prefer to have it as a starter, before the main food. Several types of salads with dips are served in dinner as well as in lunch. A Turkish salad consists of different vegetables served with olive oil, cheese or cream. After the salad, people like to have ‘meze’ as their main course of food. A meze is an appetizer served with or without beverage. Most of them lie in the same category of starter but they can be served as a main course as well.

Overall food of Turkey is very delicious and the variety of different cuisines fused with the Turkish cuisine makes it delightfully unique. Due to its minerals rich soil and ideal weather, it produces a vast variety of culinary custom for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Seafood from the Black Sea cuisine garnishes the savory of Turkish cuisine. Turkey is among those countries that have huge agricultural area and produces more food that their consumption and exports extra food which is in excess.

Trip Tips and What to Pack For Your
Italy Singles Vacation

passport and Visas

Visas are not required for US, Canadian and European citizens. To enter Italy, a passport valid for at least three months beyond the length of stay is required by all nationals. South African citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival, and a valid Schengen visa, to enter Italy. All other citizens please check with your local embassy.

Money

Currency in Italy: Euro
Euros come in both paper and coins. Paper Euros come in different colors and sizes depending on the face value, 500 bills are violet, 200 bills are yellow, 100 are green, 50 are orange, 20 are blue, 10 are red and 5 are grey. The coins are either 1 Euro or 2 Euros, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. The bigger the coin the bigger the value... the 1 cent coin is very small.
For todays conversion rates - click here

Time

Italy is Central European Time (CET).
5 Hours ahead of EST / 8 Hours ahead of PST

Electric Plugs

Electricity in Italy, as in the rest of Europe, comes out of the wall socket at 220 volts alternating at a 50 cycles per second. In North America, electricity comes out of the wall socket at 110 volts, alternating at 60 cycles per second. Not only the voltages and frequencies, but the sockets themselves are different. Italy's outlets are two (or three) round-prong socket. You will need an electric converter.

Weather

Throughout the year, the climate in Rome, Florence and the entire Tuscan region is very mild. The summers can be dry and very hot but averages in the low 80s F.. Spring and Fall cools off to the mid 60s and can be rainy but there are still lots of sunny days. In the winter the days are sunny and cool, around 50° but at night it can get very cold.

The Amalfi Coast has a typically Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers where temperatures can reach 30C (86F) in the peak months of July and August, and the average temperature does not usually dip below 23C (74 F)

What to Pack for Your Vacation

One suitcase and an overnight bag are allowed. The suitcase should have good, sturdy wheels as you will need to roll them to the hotels, which are very close to the train stations. Please check individual airlines for weight limits.

The most important item you will need on your vacation to Italy is footwear. Pack comfortable sturdy shoes for walking in the historical center's of Rome, Florence & Venice. The streets will be cobbled stone in Rome, uneven in Venice and there are lots of bridges to cross.

All religious sites like the Basilica require everyone to wear clothing that covers both shoulders and knees. For men a long pair of shorts that reach the knees and a shirt. Ladies a shawl is great to cover the shoulders and for cooler evenings.

For what to pack on all singles vacations and more tips - Click Here

Phones:

Nowadays it’s relatively easy to use your own mobile phone in Italy, however, the costs of both making and receiving phone calls can be high. Texting is a more economical way to contact others. Please check with your carrier for availability and rates.

While in Italy, if you would like to use your phone for the internet, only when there is free internet, turn your phone to airline mode.

Calling Italy from the United States explained:

011 - US exit code; must be dialed first for all international calls made from the USA or Canada
39 - Country Code for Italy
area code - 2 - 4 digits
phone number - 5 - 8 digits

Shopping in Italy

Rome: Shopping in Rome is fantastic, no matter if you are searching for haute couture, antiques, or a bargain. Some of the biggest names in Italian fashion - Fendi, Valentino, Bulgari - come from Rome and you will find their flagship stores, as well as boutiques by Prada, Armani, Versace, Ferragamo, Cavalli, Gucci, and many others, along the streets near the Spanish Steps. Via Condotti is Rome's main drag for haute couture and window shopping, though you'll also find high fashion boutiques on Via Borgognona, Via Frattina, Via Sistina, and Via Bocca de Leone.

There are several good outdoor markets, flea markets, and places to buy antiques in Rome. You'll find everything from antique housewares to secondhand clothing and music to original art, jewelry, posters, furniture, etc.

Florence is one of Italy's top cities for shopping and is known for designer fashions, leather goods, gold, and fine stationery. Beyond designer duds and vintage finds, Florence is a great city to purchase leather goods. Gold is a classic item often purchased in Florence, just cross Florence's most famous bridge, and you'll see gold sellers lining each side of it. Whether the gold here is a bargain is unclear, but you can find high quality, unique necklaces, earrings, bracelets, watches, rings, and more.

Venice is famous for local crafts that have been produced here for centuries and are hard to get elsewhere: the glassware from Murano, the delicate lace from Burano, and the cartapesta (papier-mâché) Carnevale masks you'll find in all the local stores.

Amalfi:  Shopping for ceramics on the Amalfi Coast is one of the real treats of exploring this gorgeous coastline in southern Italy’s Campania region. The Amalfi Coast is a vibrant landscape of pastel colored houses, steeply terraced gardens and rocky cliffs plummeting down to the Mediterranean Sea. Filling this scene with even more color and life are the brilliant ceramic shops you’ll find in each town along the Coast.

Apulia: the products for shopping are localized and each province has its own special products. In the Foggia province, food processing is quite famous. In Barletta visitors would find textiles, furniture, wooden artifacts and footwear. In the area of Murge visitors would again find wooden artifacts and furniture etc. Locally made products of footwear, food, clothing and textiles are popular gifts.

Local Foods

Rome: There is no lack of places to eat, from family run trattorias and pizzerias, to fancier, gourmet restaurants. Food is important to the life and culture of all Italy. While many try to reproduce Italian dishes, there's nothing like enjoying a dinner in Rome. The best Italian chefs appreciate simplicity and have learned to complement relatively plain recipes with rich, flavorful tastes.

There are so many Gelaterias that you will never tire of trying to figure out which one is the best.

Florence: Enjoying great food and excellent wine in Florence is not hard to do. The food is simple and abundant with local produce, mellow cheeses and grilled meats. The meals range from the original and traditional to more adventurous. You can try one of the restaurants recommended in the guide books or just walk down any street in Florence and select a trattoria, wine bar or restaurant that seems appealing and you'll surely enjoy a nice meal.

Venice: Chinese and Indian restaurants have a small presence, but Venice is the place to go for excellent seafood and good Northern Italian cooking. Among the typical seasoning of Venetian cuisine, you will find butter, olive oil, sunflower oil, vinegar, kren, senape, mostarda, salsa verde.

Amalfi Coast: Food and wine is a way of life on the Bay of Naples and the Amalfi Coast. The local cuisine is mainly Neapolitan and is famous for its use of tomatoes, lemons, fresh vegetables, red peppers and olives. You will find world-famous specialties like pizza, pasta, the pastiera cake, buffalo mozzarella cheese and fresh Mediterranean seafood.

Puglia: Consisting mainly of farmland and coastline, Puglia is famous for its fresh produce and delicious dishes. Food fairs date back to the days when farmers used to gather in towns to buy and sell produce. Today’s celebrations are dictated by tradition, what is in season, and the town’s whim; they reach a peak during the holiday season of July and August.

Europen Travel and vacation Information

European Vacations for 18 - 35 Year Old
European Singles Vacations for 35+
Europe Destination Information

Trip tips and What to Pack
Ecuador Singles Vacation

Passport and Visa:

If you are a U.S. citizen wishing to enter Ecuador, you must present a U.S. passport with at least six months remaining validity. Ecuadorian immigration officials also sometimes request evidence of return or onward travel, such as an airline ticket.
Ecuador welcomes people from all over the world who wish to visit for a short period of time or to establish permanent residency. If you come to Ecuador as a tourist or on a business trip, you do not need a visa for a stay up to 90 days on a 12 month-period

Local Currency:

Ecuador’s official currency is the US dollar. If you’re not traveling from the USA, consider bringing a small supply of US dollars with you on your trip in case you have trouble exchanging currency from your home country. Western Unions are in most big cities.Euros, Peruvian pesos and Colombian nuevos soles are the easiest currencies to exchange in Ecuador.

ATMs are the easiest way of getting cash, period. They’re found in most cities and even in smaller towns, though they are occasionally out of order. Make sure you have a four-digit PIN; many Ecuadorian.

Local Time:

Ecuador is in Western South America and is 5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time. Ecuador utilizes Ecuador Time (ECT) year round.

Electric Plugs:

Electrical sockets (outlets) in the Republic of Ecuador (República del Ecuador) usually supply electricity at between 110 and 120 volts AC. If you're plugging in a U.S. or Canadian 120 volt appliance, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.

But travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 110-120 volts the socket is supplying. If your appliance is from another part of the world, and it is built only for 220-240 volt electricity, or a Japanese appliance built for 100 volts, then a travel plug adapter by itself won't be sufficient. The voltage will have to be changed from 110-120 volts at the socket, to whatever voltage your appliance requires. This is accomplished with a voltage transformer.

Weather

The only thing predictable about Ecuador's weather is its unpredictability. In fact, it's not uncommon to experience all four seasons in a single day. Generally speaking, Ecuador has two seasons, wet and dry, but in a country as geographically diverse as Ecuador, local weather patterns vary greatly.
The mainland coastal areas and the Galapagos Islands are influenced by ocean currents and are hot and rainy between January and April and cool and dryer the rest of the year.

Shopping

Shopping is a varied experience in Ecuador. From dusty, noisy animal markets to craft markets to sterile, glossy malls, there is something for everyone here. Ecuador produces an interesting array of products that can be purchased as souvenirs. Arts and crafts (in Spanish, artesanía) such as weavings, wood carvings, rugs, toys and clothes can be picked up all over Ecuador. Prices are reasonable and bargaining is encouraged.
 
Special to Ecuador and of note is the so-called "Panama" hats. Despite their name, their origin is Monte cristi, Ecuador. Good quality hats can be rolled up and will spring back into shape. Beware of the hats available in Otavalo market, cheap does not equate to a bargain

Top 10 Souvenirs and Gifts to Buy In Ecuador

Taking gifts back for friends and family is an important part of your Ecuador Singles Vacation. Here is a suggestion of gifts you could take back home.

1. The Ecuadorian Alpaca Hoodie
2. Alpaca Socks
3. Dragons Blood
4. Coffee
5. Chocolate
6. Panama Hats
7. Handmade leather goods
8. leather bags
9. decorative jewelry boxes
10. woven wall hangings

Local Foods

Traditional foods of the highland region of Ecuador are often based around potatoes, sweet corn, cheese and avocadoes. Typical dishes include llaping achos, delicious little fried patties of mashed potato and cheese, often served with a fried egg, avocado, and beetroot and sometimes sausage or pork as well. Locro is a filling potato and cheese soup.
 
Ecuador is known for its exotic fruits, seafood and potatoes. Some traditional dishes include seco de pollo, stewed chicken with rice and avocado; lomo salteado, beef steak covered with onions and tomatoes; and seco de chivo, goat stew with rice. Ceviche served with popcorn may well be the signature dish of Ecuador, especially along the coast. Ceviche can be made of fish (de pescado), shrimp (de camarones), shellfish (de concha), squid (de calamari) or all of the above (mixta). Encocados, seafood dishes prepared in coconut milk, are known as a delectable specialty in the Esmeraldas province.
Roasted cuy (guinea pig) is regionally popular. Guinea pigs were originally domesticated for their meat in the Andes and are an important food in some areas of Ecuador (mostly in the Sierra or highlands) and other South American countries, such as Peru, Bolivia and Colombia.

For what to pack on all singles vacations and more tips - Click Here

February 13 - February 21, 2016
$2690*

Only 14 6 Cabins Available

Trip Tips and What to Pack for Your
Costa Rica Singles Vacation 

Country Information

Costa Rica is located in Central America between Nicaragua and Panama and is one of the most-visited international tourist destinations. The main reasons for this are the country’s tropical climate and geographical desirability, which ranges from green mountain rainforest's to gorgeous beaches on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. A democratic and peaceful country—Costa Rica has not had an army since the year 1949—its people are friendly and highly educated.

Although Costa Rica is a small country in terms of area, there is a lot going on here in terms of weather. Though generally classified as a tropical country because of its close proximity to the equator, Costa Rica has no real summer or winter, and the sun shines here throughout the year. With over 12 hours of sunshine a day, the sun rises at about 5 am and sets at about 6 pm consistently throughout the year.
In San José and most tourist towns, the tap water is safe to drink. However, if you go to remote areas, especially on the Atlantic coast, you should drink purified water only. Best Single Travel recommends drinking bottled water at all times.

Visas

Passport-carrying nationals of the following countries are allowed 90 days’ stay with no visa: most western European countries, Argentina, Canada, Israel, Japan, Panama and the USA.
Citizens of Australia, Iceland, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa and Venezuela are allowed to stay for 30 days with no visa. Others require a visa from a Costa Rica embassy or consulate. These lists are subject to continual change

Other nationalities please check with your local Costa Rica Embassy.

There is a departure tax of $26 USD for visitor that is to be paid at the airport. The best way to pay this is by cash. If you choose to pay by credit card beware that this is actually debited as a cash transaction and there will be bank fees.

Costa Rica Currency

Costa Rica money is called the colon. 1 USD = 509 Colons. US dollar is accepted almost everywhere so there is no need to exchange. Prices in Costa Rica are frequently listed in US dollars, especially at upmarket hotels and restaurants, Canadian dollars are not widely accepted. Check here for currency exchange rates

ATMs are common in San Jose, but will be hard to find in smaller towns. Credit cards are widely accepted, please call your credit card company and let them know you will be traveling to Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Time

All of Costa Rica is in the GMT -6 zone, which corresponds to U.S. Central Time during winter months, and U.S. Mountain Time when the U.S. is in daylight savings time. The length of days in Costa Rica varies by only half an hour between seasons, so Costa Rica does not observe daylight savings time.

Electric Plugs

Costa Rica's electricity supply is 110V AC at 60 Hz - If you're traveling from the U.S. or Canada leave the electric converters and plug adapters at home. Weather

There is not a bad time for a Costa Rica singles vacation as the average annual temperature is between 70 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit and the coolest months of the year are November, December and January. The months March through May are the hottest months of the year, so make sure you protect yourself from the sun.

What to Pack for Your Costa Rica Vacation

Remember to pack all your liquids in your suitcase or you must follow the TSA rules for carry-ons - 3-1-1 = 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger

One easily managed medium suitcase (bus to boat…) and 1 carry on bag. Some days you will be out all day so bring a small bag or knapsack that you can carry all day.

If you are planning on washing clothes as you go, be aware that laundries are few and far between in Costa Rica, but you can hand wash a few items (things like jeans can take forever to dry). Some of the hotels have laundry services—expect to pay a buck or two per item.

Water is another consideration when planning your wardrobe. Cloud and rainforest's have little regard for phrases like “dry season.” It may not rain during your visit, but the saturating humidity dripping from the leaves and the spray from the inevitable waterfall will make you glad for quick-drying garments.

For what to pack on all singles vacations and more tips - Click Here

Documents
* Passport and your emergency contact should have a copy
* Money, credit/debit card – don’t forget to call the banks and let them know you are traveling
* Insurance card and contact information

Miscellaneous
* Insect repellent with DEET (diethyl-metatoluamide)
* Contact lenses and/or extra pair of sunglasses
* Sun block of at least 15 SPF - the tropical sun is strong
* Water bottle
* Camera – and charger – batteries – lots of film or extra memory cards
* Binoculars for animal viewing
* Flashlight with extra batteries for night exploring
* Chargers and Adaptors for all your electronics - if needed (see above)
* Earplugs (for light sleepers)
* Plastic bags – for wet clothes
* Travel alarm clock or use your mobile phone

Phone & Internet

Calling Costa Rica from the United States explained
• 011 - US exit code; must be dialed first for all international calls made from the USA or Canada
• 506 - Country Code for Costa Rica
• phone number - 8 digits
• US to Costa Rica international dialing format: 011 + 506 + 2??? ????

Celll Phone Service - We recommend checking with your individual cell phone carrier to see if your phone will work in Costa Rica and check the international rates for both phone and data. You will have limited phone and Internet service in Tortuguero. There should be readily available Internet in the other parts of the country.
Costa Rica is more known for its adventure activities then for its shopping. Shopping for souvenirs and other items can range from local markets offering traditional goods to large stores and gift shops. Prices at regular shops are fixed and bargaining is uncommon.

Costa Rica Shopping

Coffee is the best buy in Costa Rica. Buy whole beans and not the ground ones. Packaged grinds are much finer than US grinds and more often contain sugar mixed in with the ground coffee. For the best deal, buy coffee beans in the grocery stores.

Costa Rican woodcarvings, mostly bowls, napkin holders and elegant art pieces are good buys.
Local Foods

Costa Rican cuisine is known for being flavorful, yet fairly mild, with high reliance on fresh fruit and vegetables. Rice and beans are the bases of most Costa Rican meals. At breakfast, they're called gallo pinto and come with everything from eggs to steak to seafood. At lunch or dinner, rice and beans are an integral part of a casado, usually consisting of cabbage-and-tomato salad, fried plantains (a starchy, banana-like fruit), and a chicken, fish, or meat dish. On the Caribbean coast, rice and beans are called rice 'n' beans, and are cooked in coconut milk.

Thailand Travel Information, Tips and More

Visa

Visas for Thailand are not required by all nationals for touristic stays of up to 30 days (if entering via an international airport) or 15 days (if entering by land from a neighboring country), provided they hold valid passports and confirmed airline tickets to leave Thailand within the time allowed by their visa, except:

Nationals of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Bulgaria and Malta who may apply for visas on arrival for stays of up to 15 days.

Money:  

Thailand's currency is called the Thai baht (THB). International access ATMs can be found across the country. You will be expected to use Thai baht for all cash purchases. Credit cards are widely accepted, though small businesses and vendors at market may not accept them.

It's around THB 30 to US $1 (think 1/3)

Note also that almost all Thai banks now charge a 150 Baht (3.90 USD) fee for using a foreign ATM card..

Time:  

Thailand Standard Time (TST) or Thailand Time (THT) is a standard time used in Thailand. It is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 12 hours ahead of EST / 15 hours ahead of PST

Electric Plugs

Electricity in Thailand is 220 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. If you travel to Thailand with a device that does not accept 220 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter. Outlets in Thailand generally accept 2 types of plug: Flat Blade Plug & two round pins...If your appliances plug has a different shape, you may need a plug adapter.

Weather

Thailand has three "seasons." The Thais refer to them as the "cool," "hot" and "rainy" seasons. A more accurate description would be "hot," "really HOT" and "really hot AND wet."

The "cool" season from October/November through to March is the prime tourist season. The hot season in Thailand runs from March through June, with April and May the hottest months of the year. The cool season is from November thru February and stills feel hot to most tourists,

The monsoon season usually is accompanied by heavy rain.. This season may start as early as April or May, although it officially begins in June and runs as late as October, when the temperatures begin to cool slightly... Carry an umbrella or raincoat, and you can still enjoy a great vacation in the Thai rainy season.

Mobile Phones

Nowadays it’s relatively easy to use your own mobile phone in Thailand, however, the costs of both making and receiving phone calls can be high. Please check with your carrier for availability and rates.

Calling Thailand from the United States

US to Thailand international dialing format: 011 + 66 + ???? ????
•011 - US exit code; must be dialed first for all international calls made from the USA or Canada

• 66 - Country Code for Thailand
• phone number - 8 digits

Internet Service

Is available throughout Thailand.  All the hotels have internet access (there may be a fee)

Water

Do not drink from the taps. Always use bottled water.
Ice is always made with clean water and is safe.

Customs and Etiquette

Temples: Dress appropriately – cover your shoulders and legs at least to the knee. Remove your shoes and hat before entering temple buildings.
Buddha: Images of Buddha are highly regarded in Thailand. Purchasing statues and getting Buddhist tattoos (if you are not Buddhist) is disrespectful, and sometimes even illegal.
Royalty: The Thai royal family is also very respected and public criticism of them is illegal. The national anthem is played on the radio at 08:00 and 18:00 and before movies in the cinema, where you will be expected to stand for it.
Feet: Gesturing with your feet is considered very rude.

Tipping

Not necessary, but always appreciated.

Shopping

Thailand is one of the best places in Asia for shopping and you will have lots of choices with the huge, glitzy shopping malls, department stores, small shops and bustling street markets. Both Bangkok and Chiang Mai have excellent night markets (Chiang Mai Market just steps from our hotel)

Good buys include Thai silks and cottons, leather goods, batiks, silver and gold, pottery with celandine green glaze, precious and semiprecious stones (in particular rubies and sapphires are indigenous to Thailand), pearls, dolls, masks, painted umbrellas, lacquer ware, pewter ware, bamboo and wood artifacts and bronze ware.

Tailor-made clothes are also good value and can be made in a matter of days, yet the standard is very high. (The mall right next door to the Sheraton has a nice selection of tailors)

Duty free shops are located throughout the country and items can be purchased there and delivered to the airport in time for the departure flight. Value Added Tax ( 7% ) can be refunded on goods bought in shops labeled 'VAT Refund for Tourists', where there is a minimum transaction of ?2,000 including VAT.

Local Foods

Thai cuisine is distinctive and a favorite of many people around the world. Places to eat traditional Thai food are plentiful and although prices can vary wildly, the quality is generally very good. Thai dishes can sometimes be quite spicy and when a dish is described as “hot” it will be. Thai food is meant to be shared, and all courses will generally arrive together. The cuisine is characterized by a balance of strong flavors, most notably, lime juice, fish sauce, lemongrass, chili and fresh coriander, and is usually accompanied by rice and/or noodles

BeWare: Although the food sold at roadside stalls can be cheap and often very good, meat and chicken should be thoroughly cooked, and be cautious with salads which may have been washed in contaminated water.

Destinations

Bangkok began as a small trading centre and port community on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River some 200 years ago. Now it is Thailand’s capital, a large city known for ornate shrines and vibrant street life. The boat-filled Chao Phraya River feeds its network of canals, flowing past the royal district, home to opulent Grand Palace and its sacred Wat Phra Kaew Temple. Nearby is Wat Pho Temple with an enormous reclining Buddha and, on the opposite shore, Wat Arun Temple with its steep steps and Khmer-style spire.

Damnoen Saduak is the most popular floating market in Thailand, great for photo opportunities, food, and for giving you an insight into a bygone way of life. The Floating Market is routinely crowded with hundreds of vendors and purchasers floating in their small rowing boats selling and buying agricultural products and local food, which are mostly brought from their own nearby orchards. Therefore, it is a great place for tourists to see this old style and traditional way of selling and buying goods

Phuket is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. It consists of the island of Phuket, the country's largest island, and another 32 smaller islands off its coast. It is a rainforested, mountainous island in the Andaman Sea and has some of Thailand’s most popular beaches. Phuket Town is the capital of Phuket Province and Thalang Road is lined with colorful 19th-century shophouses and Sino-Portuguese buildings.

Phuket Walking Street located in Old Town is also-known-as Lardyai (talaad yai), which means ‘big market’ in southern Thai dialect. Thalang is a 1/4 mile long commercial and cosmopolitan street which hosts a mix of Baba (Chinese migrants settled in Phuket at the beginning of the 20th century during the tin mining era), Thai Muslim and Indian shops. Phuket Walking Street allows visitors to discover some typical southern Thai culinary specialties as well as local handicraft and gift stalls.

Don’t Leave Home without your Passport!